Colin Farrell has dropped a bombshell – the Hollywood heartthrob has not dated for four years.

The 38-year-old Irish sex symbol and former hellraiser told the Sunday Times he has been too busy working and looking after his sons to find time to look for love.

Colin said: “I have not dated for, ooh, four years now. It’s just not happening, what with the work, the kids and my life.

Colin is a busy father-of-two (Jordan Strauss/AP)
Colin is a busy father-of-two (Jordan Strauss/AP)

“I know it’s not what people expect to hear, but that’s the honest truth.”

The True Detective star is father to 11-year-old James, whose mother is model Kim Bordenave and five-year-old Henry, whose mother is Alicja Bachleda-Curus. Thought the boys live with their mothers, Colin said he sees them every weekend.

James has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which causes learning disabilities.

Colin, who checked into rehab in 2005 to be treated for drug addiction, said parenthood had changed him.

Colin Farrell was joined by Britney Spears at the premiere of The Recruit in 2003 (Rene Macura/AP)
Colin Farrell was joined by Britney Spears at the premiere of The Recruit in 2003 (Rene Macura/AP)

“It’s not all about you any more, which is a relief. It’s about a bigger world, and helping them find their place in it.

“It’s not about ‘me, me, me, the loudmouth’ any more – and that takes the pressure off me to live up to those old expectations.”

In the past Colin has been romantically linked to Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears and Demi Moore.